Frequently Asked Questions
What is fencing?
Fencing is an ancient discipline, the only European Martial Art and one of the few sports represented in EVERY Olympic Game since Athens 1896.The term “fencing” originates from the self-defense skill of swordsmanship. The ultimate goal in this elegant, prestigious and traditional sport is to hit an opponent without getting hit. Challenging the body and the soul, the art of Fencing blends patience and determination with discipline and competitiveness.
What does fencing teach?
As a combat sport, fencing calls on tremendous agility, reflexes, tactical smarts, discipline and hand-eye coordination. It improves coordination and posture while providing aerobic exercise and strength training.
This graceful sport combines strength, peace of mind and speed. It requires focus and discipline, and a lot of hard work. Fencing teaches you patience, self-control, balance and coordination. Fencing is often called physical chess because you need to be able to think in a split second, calculate risks and make decisions about your next move in every situation. Plus, fencing provides your child with the opportunity to develop character, learn unique skills, and make new friends.
Why do kids love fencing? (Based on student's feedback)
- They have fun
- They play with swords
- They learn new things
- They improve their fitness skills
- They interact with each other
What makes a good fencer?
On the athletic side, speed and cardiovascular fitness rank foremost. Other traits that can be exploited are strength (for explosive power, not heavy handedness), manual dexterity, and flexibility. Quick reaction time is extremely important. On the mental side, a fencer must be adaptable and observant, and have a good mind for strategy and tactics. Psychologically, he or she must be able to maintain focus, concentration, and emotional level-headedness under intense conditions of combat.
As far as body type goes, it is always possible to adapt your style to take advantage of your natural traits.
What is the best age to start fencing?
Depends on what your goals are. If you just want to learn how to fence, you can learn that at most any age. It's never too late. If you have Olympic dreams, you better start at the early age (9-10 years old). But, you can always start now and with a good coach and school, you can go as far as you are able. Realistically, it depends on the personal abilities and skills.
What is the minimum age to start fencing?
My Fencing Club offers beginner classes to children as young as 6 yrs old. After being introduced the idea of fencing, children join fencing group lessons, using plastic swords that are safe and designed to create a more stimulating and imaginative environment.
What types of sports are beneficial to fencing?
Cardiovascular fitness and leg strength always help, so anything that enhances these will be beneficial. Cycling, swimming, aerobics, and skating are good examples. Running, sprinting, soccer, basketball, and similar sports can also be helpful, although some athletes dislike the stresses they put on the knees. Racquet sports like tennis, badminton, squash, racquetball and table tennis are also excellent and will exercise your upper body in addition to your legs. Interval training (short bursts of high-heart-rate exercise followed by brief recovery periods) has been put forward as particularly relevant to the demands of fencing.
How can I help my child to succeed in fencing?
Parents provide support and encouragement to their children. Most importantly, they are positive role models of good sportsmanship and showing respect to coaches, officials, and opponents. Providing consistency is also very important. Get your child to the club to practice regularly. A consistent training is necessary to succeed in fencing. Use school holidays to maximize training opportunities at camps and clinics.
Keep in contact with the coaches to assess your child's progress and to determine readiness for competitions then start fencing at the local competitions. Enjoy the full experience of competing by taking advantage of all the opportunities for personal and athletic growth. During the competitions help your child to focus on fencing as a game and good sportsmanship, not on scoring or winning.
Is it safe?
Yes, if it is done properly. Although executed with appreciable energy, a good, clean fencing attack hurts no more than a tap on the shoulder. The force of the blow is normally absorbed by the flex of the blade. It is an extraordinarily safe sport considering its heritage and nature.
What equipment is necessary in fencing?
Safety is very important in fencing. Everyone has to wear an under-arm jacket, practice jacket, mask, glove and track pants. My fencing club provides all the equipment for the introductory and beginner classes.
Fencing also can be "dry" or electric. Beginner fencers use dry foil, which has no electric components and advanced students use electric equipment which includes an electric foil, body wire and lame (electric jacket).
What should I wear to the club?
You need to bring/wear running shoes, track pants and a t-shirt.
How is My Fencing Club different from the others?
We are the only club that is focused on youth, providing children with an opportunity to make life time friendships and develop a passion for fencing. We are two full time coaches and former competitive athletes with years of fencing experience from the Russian School of Classical Fencing. We not only grow strong fencers but also great personalities while still emphasizing discipline. The students always have coaching support at the competitions.
The club has one of the biggest gyms in GTA which creates a great space for physical activities.
What weapon do we fence with?
There are three weapons in fencing: the epee, the foil and the sabre. During our fencing lessons we use the foil. Foil is the predominant school training and competition weapon. It was developed as a safer practicing weapon with a flattened or “foiled” tip that reduces the risk of injury. Much smaller and lighter than the epee, the foil may attack only the torso with the tip of the weapon.
What is basic fencing terminology?
What are the fencing rules?
How do I fix a foil? (repair and maintenance)
Why Fencing is a good sport?
What are equipment standards for Ontario Competitions?
Is fencing an eligible activity for the Ontario Tax Credit?